Tarriff Update -Tsuba From Japan

[cluckdaddy76]

I finally decided to make a purchase since tariffs have gone crazy in the US. I have some great news at least when shipping with DHL. They let me assign my own tariff code which they supply the link to when filling out the form. I selected "antique metalwork" as this seemed the most appropriate. You then are also asked for a brief description to go along with the code to which I wrote "antique metal fittings". This cleared customs without any issue and was delivered to my house today. This piece was also valued at more than $800 so it did not slip through that way even though I believe that has changed too and all items are tariffed no matter the cost. Just thought some members may be interested in this update. Has anyone else had this experience or have the opposite experience?

 

Jason

[Curran]

This is new to me.

It dares give me hope.

 

[cluckdaddy76]

Curran, I have also had my eye on a fuchi/kashira set that I am going to pull the trigger on too. I will write down what tariff code I used and post it once I make this happen. Not sure it would apply to swords, but I am thrilled it worked for this tsuba.

 

Jason

[John C]

So far, I've had no problems with non-sword items (books, kanna blades, netsuke, yatate) shipped from Japan since tariffs began. The dealers have a shipping choice that includes tariffs, which is what I usually choose - though it is more expensive, it hasn't gotten hung up anywhere.

 

John C.

[cluckdaddy76]

I found the tariff code I used; it is in the antique section Chapter 97. Code is 970610 and the website states this code if accepted it does not have a tariff applied. My description was antique metalwork. Not sure that swords fall under this as I have heard most have paid a tariff. I have a fuchi/kashira set coming soon, I will update again either way once received.

 

Jason

[Curran]

22 minutes ago, cluckdaddy76 said:

I found the tariff code I used; it is in the antique section Chapter 97. Code is 970610 and the website states this code if accepted it does not have a tariff applied. My description was antique metalwork. Not sure that swords fall under this as I have heard most have paid a tariff. I have a fuchi/kashira set coming soon, I will update again either way once received.

 

Jason

 

Here are code references:

https://www.unisco.com/hts/97061000

and

https://hts.usitc.gov/search?query=9706.10.00.40

 

I thought that antiques were now subject to such tariffs, but the one site claims to be updated as of Nov 25th, 2025.

Is that accurate, or stale information.

 

@cluckdaddy76  do let us know if you get a tariff bill after the fact. Otherwise, I guess I am using Harmonized Tariff Codes again.

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Recently sent a box from Japan to the UK, full of things left behind by a visitor. I paid ￥17,000, but the post office people were not happy with the papers I had spent three hours printing out that morning.

 

'The system has changed', they said. 'You must identify every item inside, declare the weight and value of each item, and state the correct category code for each'. They lent me the post office notebook and I spent a further hour there struggling with it. Finally one of the kind ladies came over and walked me through it. And boy, was I glad to get out of there!

 

Later I heard that customs had charged tax at the other end too, even though the contents were listed as worth ￥6,000, for cups and plates and a teapot.

 

Who even dreams up this complicated stuff?